Police have identified the victim of the fatal hit-and-run in the municipality of Adelaide-Metcalfe.
Johannes Francis Smolders, named Iwan Smolders in his obituary, 45, of Strathroy, Ont., was killed on Oct. 11 after being struck by a vehicle while cycling.
Investigators say Smolders was travelling westbound on Calvert Drive, southwest of Strathroy, where the cyclist was reportedly struck from behind and ejected from the bike.
Smolders was pronounced dead at the scene after first responders arrived at 9:15 p.m. The driver did not remain at the scene.
Smolders was born in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, and moved to Canada in 1993. According to his obituary, he was heavily involved in the community.
“Iwan was well known throughout the community for all his acts of kindness and worked not only through the community but also on a personal note with Mount Brydges and Kerwood Scouting, The Kerwood Optimist Club, The Brooke Alvinston Skating Club, Lambton Shores Dragon Boat Club, Taxandria and Strathroy United Soccer Clubs and any other person who asked for help.”
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the entire community for all their support and kindness during this time.
Investigators are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the vehicle involved and believe it may be either a 1997-2004 Dodge Dakota pickup truck, or a 1998-2003 Dodge Durango SUV.
Auto repair facilities as well as local scrap yards are encouraged to contact police if a vehicle matching the description was recently brought in and repaired. The vehicle is believed to have damage to the front passenger side corner and headlight assembly.
Investigators also want to speak with any drivers who were on Calvert Drive on Oct. 11, between the hours of 6:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.
Cyclist struck and killed by motor vehicle at a Calvert Drive @CountyMiddlesex address. Driver fails to stop. #OPP continuing to investigate. Anyone with information is being asked to call police at 1-888-310-1122 or @crimestopperldn at 1-800-222-8477. #MiddlesexOPP ^es pic.twitter.com/0i5XgKB878
— OPP West Region (@OPP_WR) October 12, 2021
Anyone with surveillance video of the area who may have captured the cyclist or vehicle, or anyone with any information relating to the incident is urged to contact the Middlesex OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
